Minimum Age: 10+
Discover scuba with the PADI Open Water Diver course at Catalina Divers Supply in Avalon. Learn core skills in the pool, then explore kelp forests and rocky reefs on guided open-water dives—ideal for first-time divers (ages 10+).
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–4 days
Fitness Level
Should be comfortable swimming short distances and able to tread water; basic cardiovascular health is recommended.
Wildlife
History
Santa Catalina Island is part of the Channel Islands archipelago and has long been a destination for Southern California recreation and marine study.
Conservation
Catalina's kelp forests are sensitive; follow low-impact diving practices, avoid touching flora or fauna, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Minimum Age: 10+
Bring a printed medical statement
Some operators require a signed medical form before pool or open-water dives; bring it to avoid delays.
Practice equalization
Work on ear-clearing techniques on dry land and in the pool to avoid discomfort during descent.
Protect exposed skin
Use reef-safe sunscreen and a long-sleeve rashguard or thin wetsuit to reduce sun and surface-chafe exposure.
Book weekends early
Avalon fills quickly in summer and on holiday weekends—reserve training slots and rental gear well in advance.
Mask, snorkel, fins
Essential for confined-water drills and familiarizing yourself with breathing and sighting before dives.
Wetsuit (3–5mm)
Keeps you warm in Catalina's cool water and provides buoyancy and abrasion protection.
spring
Logbook and certification card holder
Record dives, skills completed, and store certification paperwork for future travel.
Reef-safe sunscreen and rashguard
Protects skin from sun while minimizing impact on marine life during surface intervals.
summer